Canelo – Did he really cheat?

By Chris Rodriguez

News just got out about Canelo failing his drug test, but the question is was this all accidental or did he know what he was doing?

On March 5th, Golden Boy Promotions released a statement with the results of a drug test in which their fighter, Saul “Canelo” Alvareztested positive for trace amounts of Clenbuterol, a banned substance and PED. (performance enhancing drug) Keep the words, “trace amounts’ in mind when looking at all the information provided. Much speculation has been raised about Canelo following the news of the failed drug test. Fans and analysts are questioning motives and the legitimacy of his side of the story.

If you are not familiar with Clenbuterol it is used by athletes and body builders as an illegal performance enhancer. It is also a common substance found in meat all throughout Mexico. Over the years in boxing, other fighters from Mexico have tested positive for the same levels of Clenbuterol that Canelo tested for, “trace amounts”. Meaning, the levels were so low that they are being labeled the amount that would be found in contaminated meat.

Many feel that if Canelo was taking the PED to help with his performance he would have tested for much higher levels. The skeptics believe he could have been cycling off which is why he tested for low levels. In some respect the skeptics might have a point because in Canelo and Gennady Golovkin’s first bout, Canelo struggled with conditioning, which is something this PED helps with greatly. Using all the facts that have been brought up, it seems that this is an accident on Canelo and his team’s part. They should know what they are eating, especially since this drug is commonly used in the meat in Mexico.

Golden Boy Promotions immediately contacted the Nevada State Athletic Commision and Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions, (Golovkin’s promoter) with the news of the failed test. They agreed that Canelo is to finish out the rest of his training camp in California and adhere to all rules and drug tests of VADA (voluntary anti-doping association) from now until his May 5th fight against Golovkin.

This fight is worth way too much money to let something like this keep it from happening. With all the facts and information out there regarding Canelo’s failed test and the history of Clenbuterol in Mexico’s meat, do you think his intentions were mischievous or accidental? You decide. The fans are the ones who help control the narrative of an athletes legacy. Could this be a major dent or a minor speed bump that will soon be forgotten?